Disclaimer: Seeing as how I am a poor college student, nothing belongs to me… I don't even belong to me…

Please give me time and patience as this is my first attempt in a very long while at fan fiction! Any reviews and comments are greatly appreciated!

"I'm leaving."

The simple confession left her stunned. So many emotions ran through her that she thought that she would burst. She ran her hand through her blonde curls, trying to comprehend what this could mean for her. Luna's resignation as CEO and owner of Inverti Corp. would mean that Serena's life was about to change. All that she had worked for would finally pay off.

"This is surprising, Luna…" Serena stated, trying to remain a calm composure, regardless of how she felt on the inside.

"Yes, but, Serena…"

"I can't believe you're retiring this early! You really have done so much for me, Luna, I can't even begin to thank you!" she interrupted.

"But, Serena, you have to understand…"

"I know, I'll do everything you taught me, believe me, I know. I won't screw this up, Luna, I promise."

"Serena, will you please listen to me!" Luna shouted, exasperated.

The blonde was taken aback, but her attention went back to Luna as the older, darker woman sighed and slouched in her chair, looking the complete opposite of what Serena had first admired in her mentor when she read of the business genius that was Luna delle Stelle. Luna was a woman who exuded power in her every look and step, had taken the business world by storm so many years ago and a very vicious, very passionate businesswoman.

Half-way through her second year at the University of New York's Business School, Serena had impressed Luna with her natural brilliance and potential as an intern. Her passion for what she hoped to take on was evident to the more experienced woman and she had to know what Serena was really capable of. She had taken Serena under her wing and had come to know her as the daughter she never had. Luna paid Serena's way through the rest of school and paid off her loans from her undergrad years. She wanted Serena to start off her new life with a clean slate as she promised the young girl that, if she followed her own ways, she would be taking over the delle Stelle Empire. This was the dream opportunity that Serena had been waiting for since she received her MBA three years before.

And Luna was about to crush it.

"Serena… I'm handing the company over to the Protezione family. I'll be out of here by next month and you will remain here under Mr. Protezione." Luna avoided Serena's stupefied gaze as the silence hung through her office like a plague. Finally, she looked up and could have sworn she saw a tear in the girl's normally stoic face when she told her to leave.

"You'll understand, Serena… In time, you will understand…"

Luna turned back to her computer and continued her work.